Gary Martin Identified As Gunman Who Opened Fire In Aurora Plant

Gary Martin has been identified as the suspect who opened fire at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora on Friday, shooting multiple people in an attack that left both police and civilians wounded and at least five people dead.

The incident took place on Friday afternoon, with police saying Martin opened fire with a pistol fitted with a laser sight before being “neutralized” by police. As ABC 7 Chicago reported, those inside the plant say Martin was firing indiscriminately.

According to SFGate.com, Martin killed five people in the attack and shot and wounded five police officers in the industrial park in suburban Chicago. Police shot and killed the 45-year-old Martin to end the attack.

A woman named Tameka Martin confirmed the reporter Patrick Smith that the shooter was her brother, Gary Martin. She said that Gary had recently lost his job at the Henry Pratt Company and was very upset.

The Henry Pratt Company makes a variety of valves at the Aurora plant. Employees told CBS Chicago that they sheltered in place during the afternoon after Martin started the shooting at approximately 1 p.m. local time.

Nearby buildings and schools were put on lockdown during the shooting until reports that the suspect had been killed.

Some of the roughly 30 employees inside the building at the time that the attack began were able to escape the building and run to safety. John Probst told CNN that Martin was “shooting everyone” and that he and some other employees were able to make it out of the building.

“Probst told WLS there were about 30 people in the building at the time of the shooting. Probst said he and a coworker escaped through the back door. Probst said a nearby resident allowed him and his coworker to shelter in a home.”

Police appeared to be investigating whether Martin may have planned a larger attack, with news cameras capturing a bomb and arson team at Martin’s home.

In the wake of the deadly attack, a number of politicians issued statements of condolences and hailed the work of police officers who stopped the attack. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a statement commending the “amazing” work of law enforcement.

Donald Trump also issued a statement about the shooting on Twitter, saying he was sending, “Heartfelt condolences to all of the victims and their families.”

“America is with you!” Trump added.

Police have not yet released further information on Aurora shooting suspect Gary Martin, including a possible motive for the attack.